The 13 best restaurants in London

In a city like London, it's easy to be overwhelmed by food choices.

Advertisement

To make sure you never waste a meal in the capital again, we've compiled a list of London's best restaurants, based on Condé Nast Traveler's pick of 207 of the greatest restaurants around the globe, according to a panel of trustworthy experts including chefs, food critics, and renowned travellers.

Spring Ice Cream
The stunning Spring restaurant in Somerset House made the list of London's best restaurants. Spring

The list is part of the publication's first Where in the World to Eat Awards, which celebrate restaurants that combine culinary excellence with local know-how.

See London's finest food establishments below.

 

Advertisement

The River Cafe, London

The River Cafe London
The River Cafe's terrace in London The River Cafe

Known for its terrace on the north bank of the Thames, this iconic Italian restaurant has been in London since 1987 and has had a number of famous chefs at its helm.

Lyle's, London

Lyle's London
Lyle's London RESTAURANT AT CASE

Chef James Lowe celebrates the English seasons with a set dinner menu of complex dishes, prepared in a minimalistic environment with an open kitchen.

Advertisement

The Clove Club, London

The Clove Club Suckling Pig
Suckling Pig at The Clove Club Jean Cazals

Located in Shoreditch Town Hall, which was built in 1865, The Clove Club claims to serve "an ambitious five course menu and an extended menu, featuring interesting and often overlooked British ingredients and produce" — think Yorkshire Suckling Pig with south Indian Spices.

Gymkhana, London

Gymkhana London
Food at Gymkhana London David Loftus

Inspired by Colonial Indian gymkhana clubs where members of high society socialise, dine, drink, and play sport, this elegant Michelin-starred Mayfair restaurant serves classic and contemporary Indian cuisine with bold spices.

Advertisement

Spring, London

Spring Restaurant London
Spring Restaurant in London Spring

Found in a beautiful, bright dining space in the iconic Somerset House, chef Skye Gyngell delivers heartfelt and wholesome food at Spring which celebrates the sharing of seasonal produce.

Advertisement

Nopi, London

Two shakshukas are better than one at #NOPI. 📷: @bitchespeas #EEEEEATS #InfatuationLondon

A photo posted by Infatuation London (@infatuation_london) on Mar 26, 2016 at 4:04am PDT

The Soho restaurant from Yotam Ottolenghi, known for four other eateries including locations in Notting Hill and Islington, serves up bold flavours in signature dishes like courgette and manouri fritters, coriander seed-crusted burrata with slices of blood orange and twice-cooked baby chicken with lemon myrtle salt and chilli jam.

Advertisement

Kitchen Table, London

Kitchen Table London
Paul Winch Furness

Through a discrete entrance at the back of Bubbledogs in Fitzrovia lies the 19 seat Kitchen Table, a relaxed and friendly dining theatre experience where head chef James Knappett interacts with guests as he prepares, cooks, and serves a daily changing menu of meticulously sourced and foraged British ingredients.

St. John, London

St. John Restaurant in London
The former smokehouse, St. John, serves up unique cuts of meat. Stefan Johnson

The team at St. John in Smithfield is devoted to unique cuts of meat — expect pig ears and tails or duck hearts in the former bacon smokehouse, opened in 1994.

Advertisement

Kitty Fisher's, London

Kitty Fisher's London
Kitty Fisher's London RESTAURANT AT CASE

Named after the infamous 18th Century courtesan, Kitty Fisher’s is low-key yet elegant, serving Tomos Parry’s award-winning modern British food with a Spanish twist.

The Ledbury, London

Ledbury London
The Ledbury in London RESTAURANT AT CASE

Based in Notting Hill, The Ledbury offers a full culinary experience thanks to chef Brett Graham, with the restaurant gaining many accolades including a second Michelin star.

Advertisement

The Quality Chop House, London

Quality Chop House London
A meal at The Quality Chop House in London Joe Woodhouse

This restaurant, butchers, and shop on Farringdon Road opened in 1869 and serves predominantly British, locally sourced food with an ever-changing wine list in its Grade-II listed dining room.

Ognisko, London

Ognisko London
Ognisko London RESTAURANT AT CASE

Around since the Second World War when it was home to the Polish Hearth Club in South Kensington, a social hub for emigrés, this Polish restaurant serves up fine cuisine with a dinner party feel.

Advertisement

Rochelle Canteen, London

Rochelle's Canteen London
Rochelle Canteen in London Rochelle Canteen

Converted from an old school bike shed with tables in the sun during nice weather, Rochelle Canteen is the perfect lunch spot with a simple English menu made from fresh ingredients. While the restaurant isn't licensed, you're welcome to bring your own wine with a corkage fee of £6.50 per bottle.

Food Restaurants London
Advertisement
Close icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification.